Good Indonesian--does it exist in NYC?

[mae]

Does anyone know of a good, authentically spicy Indonesian restaurant in Manhattan (preferably downtown, but I know I can't be picky location-wise). I just had some amazing spicy Indonesian abroad and can't kick my craving for it. Help!

[Miss Needle]

You may want to check out the Outer Boroughs. The only Indonesian restaurant I know of in Manhattan is Bali Nusa Dua, and it is bland and boring.

[theskyflyer]

YES, it does exist! I used to go to Bali Nusa Indah too, until I recently found MINANGASLI in Elmhurst, Queens (R train). Their food is fantastic, especially the rendang and sate Padang. The reviews from NY Times and Village Voice are very favorable.

[Brian S]

Yes, check the Outer Boroughs board. There are three or four Indonesian places in that neighborhood.

[mae]

Thank you! Sounds like Minangasli will hit the spot!

[bigjeff]

also mie jakarta is about 3 storefronts down, worth going to both in one sitting, although, I didn't really like mie jakarta. they have a signature noodle soup, but I wasn't feeling it and the rest just tasted like chinese takeout. the stuff at minangasli is nice, esp. the jackfruit stuff and also the rice cubes. some of the chicken leg meals I didn't really like.

and beyond whitney avenue, there's also upi jaya on woodside avenue; never been, but supposed to be better than the other two.